"Shawne Merriman is remaining upbeat, motivated by the negative things he's hearing about himself and knowing he's worked hard enough and long enough.

"I'm going through a tough phase," Merriman said. "I'm trying to get back right. I'm gonna get written off by some people. I think I'm getting better."

Merriman suffered a calf strain Sunday that caused him to leave the Chargers' game at Seattle early in the first quarter. He underwent tests Monday, and there is optimism he can return to the field this week.

"I don't think it will slow me down," Merriman said. "It's just frustrating ... At times it's frustrating. Other times, I'm like, 'I'm being put through a test, and it's a long season.' ""